Northern spreads Christmas cheer in Newcastle with a visit from Santa Claus

A magical service ran in Newcastle, as children were able to meet Santa Claus on a Northern train. 

One of Northern’s trains transformed into a winter wonderland this Christmas, and welcomed more than 60 children from local schools and their families aboard to experience the festivities. 

While the children participated in various festive activities, they were also able to meet Father Christmas himself, as well as his friendly elves, as they delivered Christmas presents to the youngsters on the tinsel-decorated train.

The service followed the brand-new Northumberland Line, which will bring passenger trains back into service between Ashington and Newcastle.

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The investment, which is part of the Government’s Restoring Your Railways project, will see six stations being introduced onto the line, as well as construction work being carried out to improve track, signalling and other infrastructure.

The new stations will include; Northumberland Park, Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside, Bedlington and Ashington.

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern, said: “We wanted to spread some much-needed joy this Christmas with our Santa Express and let residents – and Father Christmas - get a glimpse of the new route. 

“It was a special day, and the children and residents were able to see the line they will be travelling on and enjoy in the near future.”